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Welcome!

Jennifer Douglas is a literary publicist who believes in the right of equality for all authors. With a vision of a world where positivity is the norm and negativity is long forgotten Jennifer works alongside authors creating a marketing and publicity plan that meets the needs of the individual.

With years of experience in publicity, public relations and the marketing industry, which includes working with Allen and Unwin and Palmer Higgs Publishing, Jennifer has become a well sort after reviewer. To work with Jennifer is to know you are working with someone who will not hold back on being open and honest about your book and its marketing possibilities.

Having undertaken many courses in writing and poetry over the years Jennifer has a vast knowledge in the field of writing and reviewing, being able to provide an efficient, effective and professional service. As a qualified Early Childhood Educator and a home educating mum with over 16 years experience, she has a passion for quality children's books and educational resources.

Having spent 6 years as the founder and managing editor of two magazines, Good Gabble and Rattling Reviews, Jennifer has an eye for marketing and sales, knowing what the consumer is looking for and how to reach them. She works individually with each client meeting their needs and the needs of their product. She has many years experience in critiquing websites, placing herself in the shoes of the consumer who is browsing. Many clients return time and time again knowing they will be receiving an honest, open and non judgmental review or critique. Jennifer prides herself on providing a friendly, non threatening and personal service. Her clients are able to contact her personally throughout the whole review process.

Saturday, June 15, 2013

For Freedom's Cause by Barry Smith

A historical novel that speaks of the reality of war and the loss, love and unity of those who may never have met, For Freedom’s Cause is the first novel in an Australian Dynasty trilogy by Barry Smith.

Dan Bevan is a working class English Army Officer from Manchester. Charlie Elliot, a Melbourne Barrister, is serving with the Australian Light Horse. By chance these two chaps meet during the first world war, forming a friendship that lasts several major battles. Barry Smith has done an excellent job of weaving history into fiction, placing the reader into the moment. For Freedom’s Cause is written with the knowledge, experience and passion of the scholar Barry Smith is.

I enjoyed For Freedom’s Cause but will admit it took me a chapter or two to get into the flow of the writing style. I also found it slightly annoying that all speech was written in italics, finding that I paused each time I came upon the speech, which on some pages was frequently. My brain seemed to need just that moment to register the changes in font. This did make the reading a little slow going in places but did not take away from the great narrative and history lesson of my journey.

Being Born in Manchester England and having lived in Australia for over forty years Barry Smith is able to take the reader to the place and time using characters that balance each other and at time draw at the heart strings. For Freedom’s Cause is a book that is ideal for one who wants to touch base with history yet not dig into the often dry factual text book content that is required. For Freedom’s Cause provides a timeline of history and a little bit of journalism in the content of fiction, providing a reading journey that educates and informs in an enjoyable and light manner.

I love the historical cover of For Freedom’s Cause. I feel it compliments the story providing an initial visual that sets the scene for the story to come. Within the cover sits patriotic passion, mateship and love. The antiquated sepia tone of the photography leaves a warm historic feel enhancing the personality of the novel.

As number one in The Kimberley Trilogy For Freedom’s Cause is followed by Battle For The North. Book three Kimberley Kill is yet to be published. After finishing For Freedom’s Cause I am sure I will be moving on to Battle For The North as I continue the journey with Dan, Charlie and the ladies of their life. They are now part of my life too.

Testimonials

Not so long ago I was drifting through some internet sites offering to review or market self-published novels. I was wondering if any review would make my book come alive for readers, agents, or the marketing world in general. I chanced upon your site. "Australia!" I breathed. "How about that." Awfully far away, it was not a promising avenue. Until I read your site and what you offered. Here was a much more hands-on, reviewing and marketing approach. The cost was reasonable and though the review did not promise a five-star finish, and the marketing plan didn't tantalize with guaranteed six figure sales, it did promise care and seriousness. So sincere was the pitch, that I counted out my shekels, e-mailed you, and officially asked you to help me. Imagine my surprise when you turned out to be someone who had the best interests for my novel at heart. You spent much time on an in-depth review and suggested a marketing plan which was going to involve a lot more work for you than I expected; nor did I dream that you would take my work to heart and propose a way of presenting it not just to Australia, but to the whole English speaking world. I always thought I was a dreamer, but you are the dreamer that has made me into a believer about the power of marketing and the importance of having an expert in the field present one's book to the public. Already a joy to work with, you have turned out to be a reviewer that can also market a book and make an author believe that the book he wrote, which he thinks is very good, is going to be seen as great by the wider reading public. That's a gift that's priceless. Thanks for believing in me and strengthening my own appreciation of my work. Is this a partnership? Nope, it is better than that. It is an adventure, one which I am glad to be taking with you. You calmed a lot of my worries, and as you folks say down under, "No more worries mate, no more worries at all!

E. R. BarrAuthor of ROAN: The Tales of Conor Archer, vol. 1

Katrina Cavanough wanted to thank you very much for the review of her book Wisdom For Your Life. "It was so thorough and amazing...I'm a bit lost for words really"

Amy Milne, Allen and Unwin

It's two months since I first contacted Jennifer Douglas. In her immediate reply she wrote " I'm sure I can help you'.

Jennifer's help was phenomenal. With a passion for helping to create high quality work and for assisting authors get the word out about their book, she has been a joy to work with.

Closely collaborating, and constantly giving feedback, she has been unfailing, inspirational and supportive.

As promised, two months after my first contact the review of 'Aspects of Creativity' is already on a wide range of important media sites.

I highly recommend Jennifer Douglas to anyone looking for a very special independent reviewer.

Dulcie M. Stone MBE

'I was about to write to you to find out how you were going with yourreading of the pile of books we sent and thought “I’ll just browsethrough the latest addition” ( Good Gabble Newzine). And what did I find? The most fantastic appreciation of Elizabeth and her work that I have seen. I know what she’s like, but lots of others miss all that you have seen in her. I am deeply moved by what you wrote and have just had the pleasure of printing off the page and giving it to her. She hadn’t realised, justas I hadn’t, that there was something in there about her. Thank you from me' Ken Mellor